India has sufficient coal stocks to meet thermal power demand, says power ministry
The Ministry of Power has assured that India has adequate coal reserves to meet the country's electricity demand, with 42.8 million tonnes (MT) of coal available at thermal power plants as of July 12, 2026. According to the ministry, the current stock is sufficient to support power generation for 14 days at an 85% Plant Load Factor (PLF), ensuring stable electricity supply during periods of high demand.
Coal-based and lignite-based power plants continue to play a crucial role in India's energy mix. Between April and June 2026, these plants accounted for nearly 69.5% of the country's electricity supply, while generation during non-solar peak hours reached around 188.8 GW, or almost 75% of the total power generated. The government said coal supplies to thermal plants are being monitored daily through coordination between the Ministries of Power, Coal and Railways to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability.
The ministry also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the power sector through the addition of new thermal capacity, expansion of battery energy storage systems and pumped storage projects, and measures to improve grid flexibility for integrating renewable energy. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring reliable electricity supply while supporting India's growing energy requirements.
